Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has dismissed speculation about
his Anfield future by insisting the real issue for the Reds is on
the pitch.
In the wake of the defeats by Wigan and Lille, Benitez's
long-term future at the club was called into question again.
With Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini's tenure at the
Bernabeu looking increasingly tenuous after their early exit from
the Champions League last week, speculation has already started to
link Benitez with the job.
But the Spaniard insists the only thing which matters is
returning to winning ways.
"The club is the most important thing, more than anyone," he
said. "The most important thing is for everyone to try to do better
and to improve performances.
"I don't want people talking about me. It doesn't matter.
"The priority has to be to improve things on and off the
pitch."
Matters off the pitch are in the headlines again after global
investment firm the Rhone Group made a £100million-plus cash
offer for a 40% share in the club, money which would be used to
reduce the club's £237million debt by almost half.
Benitez said it was important to get the right deal - and the
right investors - for Liverpool.
"My concern is about the future of the club, not one bad
season," Benitez told the Liverpool Echo. "The people who come in
have to be the right people for the club.
"We have to take things forward for the good of the club and
every day we are working hard."
